<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2024-08-26/Bloomberg-Lawyers-call-for-end-to-U-S-financial-sanctions-1wnKgSvytji/img/346b17702ae54bf39169f16c5e06a8cb/346b17702ae54bf39169f16c5e06a8cb.png' alt='Cars drive past a billboard (L) with a message blaming the opposition for U.S. sanctions to Venezuela, in Caracas on April 16, 2024./ CFP '
Hundreds of lawyers globally have urged the U.S. to cease using unilateral economic sanctions in a letter addressed to President Joe Biden, arguing that this practice constitutes collective punishment of civilians and violates international law, reported Bloomberg on August 12.
The U.S. sanctions have severely isolated Russia, Iran, Syria, Venezuela, and several other nations from the global economy, though many of them have developed workarounds to remain operational, according to the report.
Lawyers, legal organizations and scholars also warned that the sanctions may result in economic instability, hunger, and diminished access to essential medicines and goods.
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2024-08-26/Bloomberg-Lawyers-call-for-end-to-U-S-financial-sanctions-1wnKgSvytji/img/b411398a041048b5be6f3113fbe36e83/b411398a041048b5be6f3113fbe36e83.jpeg' alt='A man walks with a bicycle past a currency exchange office in Moscow on June 13, 2024./ CFP'
Last week, the U.S. introduced new sanctions targeting over 400 entities alleged to be supporting Russia in its conflict with Ukraine. These sanctions primarily target companies in Russia, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East that are accused of helping Russia evade U.S. sanctions, according to a Treasury Department press release.
The U.S. also placed over 40 Chinese companies on its “Entity List”, requiring suppliers to obtain licenses before shipping to these entities.
In response to such unilateral sanctions, a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Commerce described this as a classic case of long-arm jurisdiction. China argued that such practices disrupt international trade norms, hinder normal trade between countries, and impact the security and stability of global industrial and supply chains.
